Reis to Co-Host Effingham Hearing on Gas Prices

September 13, 2005

Olney.... On Monday, September 19th at 7pm, State Rep. David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) will be in the Effingham County Board Room, 101 N. 4 th Street in Effingham co-hosting one in a series of task force hearings to explore what may be able to be done about skyrocketing gas prices in Illinois. "We need to look at how we can help ease the pain at the pump. There's no question that fuel price increases are a hardship for the hard working citizens of Illinois," Reis said.

Reis said while state legislators may be able to do little to affect gasoline prices on the national or international level, the task force would look into ways to soften the blow for Illinois consumers. "My legislative district is primarily rural and we tend to drive longer distances to work than residents of larger cities," Reis said. "On top of that, the current high prices are hurting grain producers who will have to pay more to harvest their crops in a year when yields are expected to be low."

One option that will be explored by the task force is a temporary gas-tax holiday.   "I believe that we can abolish or lower the state sales tax on motor fuel for 60 or 90 days" Reis said "Other states are doing it, but at the present time our governor doesn't think Illinois can afford it."   Other options that will be explored include an increase in alternative fuels like ethanol and bio-diesel.

Reis added, "We hope everyone interested will attend and give us their thoughts so we can develop a relief plan that we can work to pass during fall veto session in October" said Reis.